So you‘re interested in going electric? Welcome to the club! As an industry analyst who tracks EV trends, I get a lot of questions from first-time buyers about charging costs. This is especially true for exciting, innovative brands like Tesla.
Here‘s the inside scoop – accurately estimating how much it costs to charge a Tesla depends on several key factors:
Battery Size: The larger the battery, the more juice needed to fill it up. Tesla batteries range from 50 kWh to over 200 kWh.
Miles of Range: The total miles a Tesla can drive before needing a recharge. This gives us the electrical ‘fuel tank‘ size.
Charging Speed: Faster chargers deliver more power over time, but aren‘t available everywhere. We‘ll focus on home charging.
Electricity Rates: Just like gas prices, this varies greatly by state from under 10 cents to over 30 cents per kWh.
This guides breaks downs expected charging times and costs for all Tesla models. I‘ll also share tips for saving money based on my industry expertise tracking the EV revolution!
Tesla Model S – Luxury EV Icon
The Model S pioneered long-range premium EVs when it launched back in 2012. Nearly a decade later, it‘s better than ever with over 400 miles of driving range and seating for five adults.
Dual Motor AWD
- 103 kWh battery
- 405 miles range
- $15.35 charge cost
- 11 hours charge time
Model S Plaid
- 100 kWh battery
- 396 miles range
- $14.90 charge cost
- 11 hours charge time
With recent upgrades, the dual motor Model S can out accelerate gas-powered supercars while carrying five people in whisper quiet comfort!
| Spec | Model S Plaid | BMW M5 Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 1.99 sec | 3.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 200 mph | 189 mph |
| Cargo Capacity | 28 cu ft | 18.7 cu ft |
And if you drive 15,000 miles per year at 30 mpg in the BMW, you‘d spend over $2000 on gas versus ~$600 in electricity for the Model S – making it cheaper to run longterm. The savings keep adding up!
Tesla Model Y – Electric Crossover SUV
Think of the Model Y like a Model 3 that‘s levelled up into crossover SUV form. It‘s one of Tesla‘s most popular models thanks to abundant space and tech for the whole family.
Long Range
- 78.1 kWh battery
- 330 miles range
- $11.65 charge cost
- 10 hour charge time
Performance
- 78.1 kWh battery
- 303 miles range
- $11.65 charge cost
- 10 hour charge time
In SUV form, the Model Y packs expansive cargo room and optional third row seating. It shares the same innovative platform as the award-winning Model 3 that helped drive down production costs through engineering innovation and manufacturing automation.
Let‘s compare running costs to the gas-powered Toyota Rav4:
| Spec | Toyota Rav4 | Model Y Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 mpg | 120 MPGe |
| 15,000 miles/year | $2,000 gas | $550 electricity |
Over 5 years, the Model Y can save over $7,000 in running costs! Now that‘s a major perk of going electric.
Tesla Model 3 – EV Game Changer
The Model 3 helped catalyze mainstream EV adoption thanks to an entry price under $40,000 before incentives along with fantastic range and performance. With seating for 5 adults, it‘s a practical yet exciting option for new car buyers.
Rear Wheel Drive
- 60.5 kWh battery
- 272 miles range
- $9.00 charge cost
- 10 hours charge time
Performance
- 78.1 kWh battery
- 315 miles range
- $11.65 charge cost
- 10 hours charge time
Long Range (2023)
- 82 kWh battery
- 353 miles range
- $12.21 charge cost
- 10 hours charge time
Part of what enabled the Model 3‘s expansive range capabilities are lithium-ion battery innovations like silicon anodes and tabless electrodes allowing more power to be packed in. Coupled with aerodynamic sloping designs and lightweight materials, range jumped tremendously – all while keeping costs in check.
In fact, the Model 3 qualified for federal tax credits of $7,500 along with additional state incentives. Compared to the average new car transaction price of around $40,000, this made going electric much more accessible to the everyday consumer!
Tesla Model X – Peak Electric SUV
The Model X is the largest SUV option from Tesla with seating for up to seven adults, expansive storage and available third row seating. Think of it like a futuristic minivan!
Dual Motor AWD
- 100 kWh battery
- 315 miles range
- $15 charge cost
- 11 hours charge time
Model X Plaid
- 100 kWh battery
- 333 miles range
- $15 charge cost
- 11 hours charge time
If you‘re wondering how the Model X compares for a road trip, here‘s a cost example…
The Model X 85 kWh version consumes about 40 kWh per 100 miles. Taking a 500 mile trip would use 200 kWh x 15 cents per kWh = $30 charging cost.
Whereas driving 500 miles in a 25 mpg diesel BMW X5 would cost around $100 in fuel!
Unique Tesla Models
Beyond the mainstream Tesla models, there are also some exciting specialty EVs offered:
Tesla Roadster
The Roadster will set new benchmarks in premium EV performance thanks to its 200 kWh battery and SpaceX-inspired engineering.
- 202 kWh battery
- 620 miles range
- $29.80 charge cost
- ~12 hours charge time
This all-electric supercar can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 1.1 seconds…which is faster than falling! With over 600 miles of range, the Roadster pushes the boundaries of what‘s possible with electric vehicle technology.
Tesla Semi
Tesla is also tackling the Class 8 trucking market with the Tesla Semi. Energy savings and low maintenance will make commercial truck hauling cheaper longterm for transport companies.
- 500 / 900 kWh battery
- 300 / 500 miles range
- $74 / $134 charge cost
- Charge time TBD
Integrated directly into the chassis, the Semi‘s battery back is engineered for 1 million miles of runtime. Combined with enhanced Autopilot safety features, this will help the Tesla Semi appeal to fleet operators focused on total cost of ownership.
I‘m looking forward to seeing how the unique engineering of the Roadster and Semi influence upcoming consumer models!
Home Charging Considerations
For overnight home charging, Tesla recommends installing their $500 Wall Connector. Professional installation pushing total costs between $750 – $1500 depending on required electrical upgrades.
Here is a side-by-side overview of average charging times and costs by model:
| Model | Battery | Range | Charge Time | Charge Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3/Y | 75-82 kWh | 275-330 mi | 10 hrs | $11-$15 |
| Model S/X | 95-103 kWh | 315-405 mi | 11 hrs | $14-$15 |
| Cybertruck | 80-200 kWh | 250-500 mi | 10+ hrs* | $12-$30* |
| Semi | 500/900 kWh | 300/500 mi | TBD | $75-$135 |
| Roadster | 200 kWh | 620 mi | 12 hrs* | $30* |
* Estimated time and cost
To save even more charging your Tesla, adding solar panels and the Powerwall battery enables pulling free energy from the sun!
I hope this guide has helped demystify Tesla charging costs. Reach out if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to chat EVs, energy tech and sustainability trends!
